Vietnam sets up partnership group on social security

A seminar focusing on the need to form a partnership group on social
security in connection with poverty reduction in Vietnam, was
co-organised by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and
the German development cooperation agency GIZ in Hanoi on November
26.

Participants underscored the necessity to set up the group,
which is expected to support information sharing and policy dialogue
coordination, and enhance the links between separate partner groups
operating in the field.

According to MoLISA Deputy Minister
Nguyen Trong Dam, the ministry has received cooperation and
assistance in many aspects from international partners and
non-governmental organisations.

However, there has yet to have
an effective and harmonious coordination mechanisms to create strong
change in the field, he added.

During the event, attendees
proposed ideas to build the group’s action plans, stressing the need to
have strong political commitments and involvement of relevant parties.

The
seminar heard the four key fields that are being implemented within
Vietnam’s social security system, including job, income and poverty
reduction; social insurance; social assistance for specific groups; and
basic social services.

The system aims to increase income per
capita in poor households by 3.5 times and reduce the rate of low-income
family to 1.5 -2 percent per year by 2020.

It will also work
to provide frequent social assistance to about 2.5 million people,
while supporting people suffering from natural disasters without delay.

According
to the ministry, in 2013, Vietnam maintained a poverty reduction rate
of between 1.7 percent and 2-4 percent in the poorest districts. More
than 1.5 million jobs were created. Localities and enterprises sent
nearly 90,000 workers abroad, 10 percent more than in previous years.
The promotion of social security policies and the increase of the
minimum wage in the beginning of the year contributed to improving
people’s living conditions.

At present, Vietnam is taking many
measures, along with support from organisations and partners to realise
the country’s targets in ensuring social security.-VNA